Wind operated rotatable sign



March 11, 1947.

Filed Nov. 8, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet l JT Peamswz IN VEN TOR.

March l1, 1947.

J. J. PEARSON WIND OPERATED ROTATABLE SIGN Filed Nov. 8. 1944 a.sheets-sheet 2 y '.ZVW;Z.'

IN V EN TOR.

BY v

Patented Mar. 11,1947

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

The device forming the subject matter of this application is a sign, andone object of the invention is to provide a novel alternatingarrangement, vertically considered, of fixed and rotatable displaymembers, the rotatable members being mounted to turn in oppositedirections, responsive to the wind, about a vertical axis.

Another object of the invention is to improve the construction of thexed and rotatable members and the means for mounting them.

Another object of the invention is to supply a device of the classdescribed, which will provide a large amount of advertising space,capable of being viewed from any point of the compass.

Within the scope of what is claimed, the structure described and shownmay be changed, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 shows in top plan, a device constructed in accordance with theinvention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation wherein parts are shown in section.

In carrying out the invention, there is supplied a vertical post P,comprising a tubular standard I having its foot mounted in a foundation2. At its upper end, the standard I carries a xed, annular head 3. Thenumeral 4 designates a iixed, vertical, hollow shaft, having its lowerend received in the standard I, the shaft being connected to thestandard as indicated at 5.

The device includes a fixed lower member 6, which is horizontallydisposed. The fixed lower member 6 comprises a loop-shaped body 1 ofconsiderable height, and capable of affording advertising space. A-brace block 8 is secured at 9 within the body 1, midway between the endsof the body. The shaft 4 passes through the brace block 8, and thesecuring elements 9 which hold the brace block in the body 1 alsoconnect the xed, elongated lower member 6 to the shaft 4, the lowermember resting on the head 3 and on the upper end of the standard I. Atits ends, the body 1 of the fixed lower member 6 is equipped withoutstanding hangers I0, whereon pendants II, preferably of cylindricalform, are pivotally suspended.

The fixed lower member 6 supports a lower rotor I2 for turning Vmovementabout a vertical axis. The lower rotor I2 comprises a, hub I4, rotatablymounted on the shaft 4,- the inner ends of arms I being secured to thehub, the arms being radially disposed. There are upper arms and lowerarms I5, the outer ends of the upper arms being connected by a ring I6,and the outer ends of the lower arms being connected by a ring I1. VanesI8 are secured between the arms I5 and are so pitched, horizontally,that, receiving the wind, they will cause the lower rotor I2 to rotateabout a vertical axis.

A fixed upper member I9 is provided, and is disposed at right angles tothe xed lower member Ii. The xed upper member I9 is constructed like thexed lower member 6, parts already described being designated by numeralshereinbefore used, but primed in connection with the fixed upper member.The fixed upper member I9 is disposed directly above the rotatable lowermember I2.

Above the xed upper member I9 is located a rotatable upper member 2D,constructed like the lower rotatable member I2.` Numerals used inconnection with the rotatable lower member I2 have been primed inconnection with the rotatable upper member 28. The vanes I8 of therotatable upper member 2l) are so pitched that the upper member willrotate in a direction opposite to that in which the lower memberrotates.

The upper rotatable member or rotor 2D is held on the shaft 4 forrotation, through the instrumentality of a cap 2| threaded on the shaft.

The rings IS' and I1 of the upper rotor 2I carry upstanding anglebrackets 22, to which is secured an annulus 23, of such height as toafford plenty ofspace for advertising material.

Anti-friction bearings 24 may be employed, wherever necessary,

The annular head 3 of the standard I carries a nipple 25, through whichextend conductors 2B, electrically connected to lamps 21 on the sides ofthe fixed members 6 and I9. There may be as many or as few of theaforesaid lights 21 as desired, and they maybe located as preferred. Anysuitable means may be supplied whereby the rotors I2 and 2l) may rotateand still have electrical current fed to them through the conductors 25.That is an electricians detail forming no part of the presentapplication.

Advertising or display material may be placed on the xed lower member 5,on the lower rotor I2, on the fixed upper member I9, on the upper rotor2l), and on the annulus 23. The pendants I I also make advertising ordisplay material.

Both sides of the fixed lower member 6, and the ends thereof areavailable for advertising or display material, and the same observationholds true with respect to the fixed upper member IS. The vanes I8 andI3', of the rotatable members I2 and 20, respectively, may carryadvertising material or the like, which will be displayed as the rotorsturn, responsive to the action of the wind Wm uw upon them. Theeffectiveness of the display is promoted, also, by reason of the factthat the lower member 6 and the upper member I9 are arranged at rightangles to each other, in the form of a cross.

4. bodying radiating arms secured to the post, upper and lower displayrotors journaled on the post, the lower rotor being disposed between thexed members, and the upper rotor being disposed above the upper xedmember, and oppositelypitched varies incorporated in the rotors wherebythe rotors will be Wind-impelled ito turn in opposite directions.

2. A sign constructed as set forth in claim 1, in combination withdisplay pendants suspended from the outer ends of the xed members andspaced horizontally from the outer ends of the fixed members.

3. A sign constructed as set forth in claim 1, in combination with adisplay annulus mounted on the upper portion of the upper rotor andupstanding therefrom.

JAMES J. PEARSON.

